AMS - Additional Member System

Question 1

How does it work?

Answer 1

Each voter receives two votes on election day.
The first they use to elect a member from their constituency under a FPTP system
The second vote is used for a party.
Parties receive additional members to help top up their seat allocations in the assembly or parliament to match the voting percentages which they received.

Question 2

What kind of system is it?

Answer 2

Mixed / Hybrid
Combines features of FPTP
System like Germany - two votes 1. party 2. candidate

Question 3

Where is it used?

Answer 3

Scottish Parliament & Welsh Assembly

Question 4

Advantages

Answer 4

Fairly Proportional 
Fairer to smaller parties 
Retains some MP - Constituency link 
Coalitions likely 
Good at securing the election of more women & minorities

Question 5

Disadvantages

Answer 5

Not as proportional as RP systems
Coalitions more likely - compromise in politics
Elections are more complicated with two votes and in deciding which candidates are elected from the regional list.
Multiple representatives: Having several MPs to represent each voter is confusing for some voters.
Doubts about top up members relating to who they represent and whether or not they are viewed as second class reps